The age of the cubicle is definitely here to stay, but not every employee adores the office in a box feel. How can an office manager make everyone’s work-space feel like their own sanctuary, and still maintain effective use of square footage?

Cubicle wall extenders can solve the problem of people popping up in their cubicles every five minutes to gossip. They can create a more private area for each employee, cut down on extra noise, and prevent employees from becoming frustrated with neighbors who don’t have a concept of work-friendly environments.

However, cubicle wall height extension is only the first step. It can be extremely beneficial if each employee understands proper office etiquette, so they can co-exist peacefully with everyone else in the office. These tips can be circulated in a memo, or posted in the break room as a reminder.

Don’t Just Drop In

While it’s tempting to slide a rolling chair across the skinny aisle and into a co-worker’s cubicle to ask a question, it night not be the best time for the receiving party. Tell workers to email instead, and to ask via phone for a face to face if one is really needed.

Smell No Evil

Strong colognes, perfumes and deodorizing sprays or air fresheners don’t stay right where they are sprayed. Remind employees to consider of others when using such products, and consider non-spray products when appropriate to cut down on communal air contamination.

Keep it Clean

Individuality should certainly not be quashed by management – but in case brass drops by, each employee should understand what is and is not appropriate for cubicle display. Pictures of family and children – fine. Pictures of a night in Vegas – not so much. The company professional brand should be kept in mind at all times.

Crank it Down

Headphones are the best friend of the cubicle worker – they can allow music to be played without disturbing other workers and can keep private phone calls off of the speakerphone. Is an employee taking a break or making a personal call? Consider asking them to step outside or to the break room. No-one wants to hear the details of their latest trip to the doctor.

While increasing cubicle wall height can make each employee feel a little more sheltered, these tips can also improve inter-office relations and keep things running smoothly.